Apply by November 15, 2014.

 

Description:

The Boston Athenæum seeks a skilled, experienced Director of Finance to lead, implement, and oversee the financial systems of Boston’s oldest cultural institution. (To learn more about the Boston Athenaeum, a storied membership library, research archive, and art collection, please visit www.bostonathenaeum.org.) In addition to the position’s key financial responsibilities, the Director of Finance also oversees Information Technology and Human Resources. The Director of Finance is one of the Boston Athenaeum’s four senior managers, in a total institutional staff of 50 employees. S/he reports to the Director and works closely with the Board of Trustees.

In addition to possessing the high-level financial acumen necessary for a C.F.O.’s position, the  successful candidate will be committed to fostering diversity and supporting a culture of inclusion; willing and able to explain financial matters to non-experts; and capable of leading, mentoring, and supervising employees.

The Boston Athenæum benefits from a sound financial position, with an endowment of $90 million, an operating budget of $6.6 million, and annual membership revenues and unrestricted gifts of $2.2 million. The next Director of Finance will arrive during a period of positive change, and will participate in the development of the Athenaeum’s next strategic plan and the enumeration of the financial goals of the subsequent, related capital campaign.

The Boston Athenæum seeks to fill the position before the end of the calendar year, to permit a period of overlap before the current Director of Finance retires on December 31, 2014. The search committee’s review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:
Financial reporting, accounting and controls:

  • Reports regularly to the Trustees, the Treasurer and the Director on the financial condition of the Athenæum.
  • Recommends and manages the overall system of internal controls necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Athenæum.
  • Meets periodically with internal budget managers to plan and assess.
  • Ensures the safeguarding of financial assets, including proper and authorized receipt and disbursement of funds.
  • Maintains the Athenæum’s financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and ensures that all financial reports are consistent with the financial records.
  • Prepares annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP to be subject to an external audit.
  • Coordinates all external auditing activities with an independent C.P.A. appointed by the Audit Committee.
  • Ensures that all federal, state, and local filing requirements are met.
  • Oversees preparation of budgets, and conducts periodic budget reviews.
  • Maintains separate records of income, expenditures and balances for approximately 500 endowment funds.
  • Ensures compliance with the terms of temporarily and permanently restricted funds and grants.

Human Resources/ Technology/ Administration:

  • Oversees implementation and consistent administration of Athenæum personnel policies.
  • Oversees implementation and administration of employee benefit plans, including health, dental, retirement, disability, FSA and other plans.
  • Oversees hiring and termination of employees.
  • Oversees job descriptions, compensation and performance evaluations.
  • Ensures proper staffing and functioning of the Systems Department.
  • Manages contracts, vendor relationships including insurance, office equipment, and leases.

Other:

  • Supervises the Systems Administrator, Human Resources Officer and Staff Accountant.
  • Ensures compliance with all required non-profit regulations, filings, applications, licenses and reports.

Qualifications:

  •  M.B.A. in Finance/Accounting required, with a C.P.A. preferred.
  •  Comprehensive knowledge and experience in non-for-profit finance, accounting and administration.
  • At least 10 years’ experience.

How To Apply:

To apply, please submit the materials listed below in a single document to hr@bostonathenaeum.org:

  1. Cover letter
  2. Résumé.
  3. Three references and contact information.  References will be contacted only after the applicant has been informed that s/he is a finalist.

Apply by:
November 15, 2014

About this Organization:
Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries in the United States; it is also the largest membership library in North America. Today its collections comprise over half a million volumes, with particular strengths in Boston history, New England state and local history, biography, English and American literature, and the fine and decorative arts. The Athenæum supports a significant art collection and exhibition program, and sponsors a variety of events including lectures and concerts. It also serves as a stimulating center for discussions among scholars, bibliophiles, and a variety of community interest groups.